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M.L.S. in Indigenous Peoples Law

Located in the heart of the original Indian Territory, the OU College of Law provides an ideal environment for the study of Native American law and issues concerning indigenous peoples. The M.L.S. in Indigenous Peoples Law builds on the American Indian Law Certificate offered to juris doctor students, but has been specifically designed by the OU Law faculty for non-lawyers whose careers demand an understanding of the complex rules of Federal Indian law.

This program offers an accelerated program (15 months) that can be taken entirely online. This program offers a strong foundation in Native American Law for anyone who deals with contracts, negotiations or any other issues that demand knowledge of Native American self-governance issues, policy, regulation or business practice.

Here are the benefits of the Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law:

Indigenous Peoples Expertise. With each course designed by the Faculty at OU Law, this program offers the opportunity to acquire broad knowledge of Indigenous Peoples Law as well as a business perspective to apply to economic and professional matters impacting your career.

Flexible delivery on your time. Study when and where you want with the online format and complete the program in 15 months. Either way, you will be applying your knowledge quickly.

International Experts on the Faculty. Each Faculty member was carefully selected based on their experience and expertise in Native American law. This group will challenge you, collaborate with you and provoke you to think deeply about how law impacts Indigenous Peoples.

Strong Networks Impact Your Life and Career. The University of Oklahoma has tremendous opportunities for those interested in Indigenous Peoples and Native American Studies. With one of the largest Native American Studies programs at the undergraduate level, you will find leading programs and scholars across the university.

Accelerate your career advancement with a graduate degree from OU in Native American Law. Contact us for more information or to request a call from an OU Law team member.

Program Structure

The OU College of Law Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law is a 33 credit hour program which can be completed in 15 months. The suggested sequence is below:

Module 1

Credits

LAW 5911 - Introduction to the American Legal System

1

LAW 5622 - History of Federal Indian Law & Policy – Part I

2

Module 2

LAW 5632 - History of Federal Indian Law & Policy – Part II

2

LAW 5603 - Native American Natural Resources

3

Module 3

LAW 5613 - Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country

3

LAW 5101 - Legal Research in Indian Country

1

Module 4

LAW 5623 - Religion, Culture & Indian Law

3

Module 5

LAW 5693 - The Indian Child Welfare Act & Family Law in Indian Country

3

LAW 5723 - Tribal Courts

3

Module 6

LAW 5643 - International Indigenous Peoples Law Legal Research

3

Module 7

LAW 5663 - Federal Indian Water Law

3

LAW 5673 - Indian Gaming Laws & Regulation

3

Module 8

LAW 5653 - Civil Regulatory Jurisdiction in Indian Country

3

TOTAL

33 Credits

Apply now! The M.L.S. in Indigenous Peoples Law explores legal and contractual issues facing Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples. This graduate curriculum uniquely prepares you in the legal aspects surrounding Native American tribal government and economic work. Contact us for more information or to request a call from a M.L.S. team member.

Faculty

The M.L.S. in Indigenous Peoples Law was designed entirely by the Faculty at OU Law – including all courses in legal research and writing. This ensures that you are receiving the best legal education related to Native American law in the country. Here are the faculties that make up the program:

David Dye
Director, Graduate and International Programs
Adjunct Professor of Law
OU College of Law

OU Law Focus Indigenous Peoples Law

Native American Indian Law Programs

Located in the heart of the original Indian Territory, the University of Oklahoma College of Law provides an ideal environment for the study of Native American law and issues concerning indigenous peoples. Oklahoma contains nearly forty tribal nations and the second largest Native American population in the United States. Given their presence and the history of the region, Indian law affects virtually all areas of legal practice, making it a vibrant and growing field.

At OU, Federal Indian law is integrated into the curriculum, rather than being an isolated specialty. Approximately half of all juris doctor students take an Indian law class while at OU Law, making the Native American Law Program one of the college’s primary areas of study. Oklahoma students recognize that Indian law issues may affect every area of practice, from administrative law to zoning law, particularly common areas like contracts, property, family, personal injury, and environmental law. The Native American law program prepares students for local or international practice through a range of educational opportunities.

OU Law offers students the opportunity to specialize in indigenous peoples law through a variety of programs including the juris doctor certificate for law students; Master of Legal Studies degree for lawyers and non-lawyers alike; and Master of Laws degree for law school graduates.

The Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy

OU Law is home to the Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, which provides counsel to tribal, state and national policymakers and a forum for the interdisciplinary discussion and resolution of problems facing native communities. The Center offers various speaker programs throughout the year as well as the Native American Law Certificate and the Latin American Fellows Program. The Center was founded in 1990 by Dr. Rennard Strickland. Professor Lindsay Robertson is the faculty director, and Professor Taiawagi Helton is the associate director.

Thank you for your interest in applying to OU Law

Please select your program of interest to learn more about the application process.